Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog
Regardless of which cruise line you choose, the length of your trip, or the size of the cruise liner, water-based recreation is a top attraction for cruise vacations. Children and adults alike enjoy the pools, hot tubs, waterslides, wave pools, and other features onboard; many shore excursions involve snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, skiing, parasailing, and many other activities. Still, all this fun does not come without risks. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), an estimated 320,000 people drown every year, making drowning the third most common cause of unintentional fatalities worldwide.
Though not all fatalities occur on cruises, the statistics should be disturbing for a key reason: When water attractions are the source of death and injury on land, you can expect that the frequency of accidents carries over to cruise ships and their numerous water attractions. If you or a loved one was hurt, time is of the essence to reach out to a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer. You can also protect your family when you know the top cruise ship accidents linked to water-based fun.
- Drowning: With so many attractions onboard, it is no surprise that the third-leading cause of accidental death is a risk when cruising. Even when lifeguards are present, drowning can happen in less than a minute. Plus, if you suffer a head injury in a wave pool or while engaging in strenuous water activities, even the best swimmer may be unable to recover.
- Falls from Unsecured Equipment: Ladders and railings are installed with safety in mind, while slides, diving boards, and related equipment are strictly for entertainment purposes. If cruise operators do not secure, inspect, maintain, and repair equipment, passengers of all ages can be severely injured.
- Water-Borne Illnesses: One of the biggest risks to your health on a cruise is one you would not expect: Bacteria, germs, and other contaminants that develop, fester, and lead to medical conditions like Legionnaires disease. While not usually fatal, these ailments could put a damper on your trip. You could suffer from cough, fever, muscle pains, and headaches, as well as more severe issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
- Falls on Slippery Surfaces: Wherever there is water, you can expect that there will be slick decks as it spills over from waterslides and pools. However, a cruise ship’s responsibility to keep you safe extends beyond just posting a warning sign. The surfaces themselves should incorporate an epoxy or combination of resins, sand, and concrete to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Contact Our Miami Cruise Ship Accidents Attorneys to Discuss Your Legal Options
You may be able to recover compensation for your losses after an accident on a cruise ship water attraction, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and others. Still, you must act quickly under the shorter deadlines that apply to these incidents. To schedule a free consultation, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. We can explain your legal remedies after assessing your unique situation.